Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Civic is the Ultimate Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brennan - December 18 - 10:50 am

  The new Civic is a great value, the car drives and feels like a car that should cost about $25k. Honda has done a superb job with their designing, engineering, and technology improvements. Theres not another car on the market that is anything like it, and that explains why it is the hottest thing out right now. Its no wonder Motortrend voted it Car of the Year. The Civic is just the perfect size car, its great for in town driving but does suprisingly well out on the interstate because of the five speed transmission. On a recent trip, I got 39.8 mpg on the interestate (I had the cruise set at 77mph). In town Im getting about 27mpg. Honda is the best car manufacturer right now by far.

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  The finest Accord Ever ! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Munjal - December 17 - 7:33 pm

  After tracking almost 2 months of research on American and Japanese mid-size car models, only two stands out for their performance, reliability and safety - Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But 2008 is a year of Honda Accord. My my, I have never experienced such smooth performance, stability, pick-up, mileage and comfort that I am enjoying with my new 2008 Honda Accord. People do compare sedans outer body trim with BMW 5-series, but I feel its really unique and give elegant looks as compared to older Honda models. Moreover, range of trime lines gives tough competition to Camry. I admire engine performance and comfort while driving atleast 30 mile a day to job.

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  WOW! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Mario Andretti - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The S2000 is a car for anyone who loves to drive; except if youre over 510". Im 65" and I got the car for my wife who is 52". It fits her perfectly. Very fast. At 6000rpms, this car will get up and go like a Honda CBR 900. Its a little sluggish in low-end torque, but it truley makes up for it once it hits 6000rpms. Itll handle with the best of them.

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  Love this Truck! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jodi10 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! After shopping for over 6 months I realized that the Element was what I needed!!! The versatility is amazing. I already went camping in it after 1 week of owning it and it is perfect for any outdoor trip.

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  What a GREAT VAN!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By AHendrich - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best van in the WORLD!! I cant even begin to tell you how much I enjoy driving it each and every day. I commute 45 miles each way to work and I must say I enjoy it -- because of my Honda Odyessy!

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  King of the Minivans - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By minivan hater - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the Honda Odyssey for 4 months now.The vehicle is awesome.The build quality is amazing.Honda keeps doing what no one else can.

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  not bad for a sedan - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aerohead - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car, but I dislike the handling so I installed a sport suspension to give it a tighter feel. The drivers seat cusion could use a little more support because mine is getting soft from everday driving. other than that it still drives, feels, and looks new. love it then,love it still. Great performance from the 200 hp

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  Squeaks and Rattles - My Last Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jja guy - December 17 - 10:00 am

  After owning 5 Hondas, I never thought I would have to take one in for repairs at 40k miles... but my 2001 Accord just proved me wrong! The air vent fan has already gone, just after it came out from warranty (figures). Sure, the Accord drives nice and the engine is very quiet, but the squeaks and rattles from the interior make up for that. From the dash board to the glove box, new rattles emerge every day, testing my patience and driving me nuts! Also, some of the exterior trim around the dash board is coming off. Sometimes it feels like I am driving an American car. Honda seems to be in a quality rut and they just lost another customer because of it.

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  Honda Civic - From a Toyota Lover - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bzymn - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Brand new Civic on March 26th. Great in gas. Overall handling is good. The car needed wheel alignment in the first week itself. Ride is bumpy.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ecnocyte04 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  While this may be a new body style and engine, I still expect the same reliability and fun-to-driveness of my past 2 accords. While this is my first coupe, it has been extremely fun to drive, especially when the VTEC kicks in, WHOOOSH. fun fun fun. So far so good, and I dont expect any less.